Stewardship
 
is something that a lot of people don’t think about.
Yet it involves all that we are and all that we have. It affects everything we do as we live each day as people of God. We are called to be stewards of all that God has entrusted into our care, to make the wisest and most effective use of all those things with which God has blessed us. So it is that stewardship is not just a committee at church; it cuts across all aspects of life and relates to almost all of our experiences every day.
 
Sometimes we need to remind ourselves not only how we have been blessed but how we can be a blessing to others with our time, our talents and our treasures. How do each of us respond to these questions?
          What matters most to us?
          How have we been blessed?
          Looking at what we have, do we wonder if we need all this, and why?
          What and how can we share with others?
          How is it in my life, that God calls me to be thankful and faithful?
          Can I downsize on the possessions I have?
 
The Stewardship Team is focusing on growing our personal stewardship by offering a series of devotions listed below. “Blessed to be a Blessing” is our way of emphasizing all of this. Think about blessings God has given you…and how you have used or could use them to bless others.
 
We invite you to look in your closets and drawers, cabinets and shelves, basements and attics and garages, as we ask the above questions. If I have ten of something, why can I not at least give away one of those for the sake of someone who has little or none? As good stewards, we are constantly challenged to make intentional and informed decisions about how we use or don’t use what we have.
 
God blesses us richly with life and health and possessions and relationships, and of course, the new life we share in Christ Jesus. That  new life and our response to God’s grace, constantly inform our choices and decisions and actions for ourselves and others. May we serve and love wisely and well.
 
“I will bless you…and you shall be a blessing”  Genesis 12:2
 
Growing Stewards Step by Step
Click on the Devotion Title

Devotion #1

Being Aware of God’s Willingness to Give ~ Luke 11:1-10

Devotion #2

Realizing How Much God Loves You ~ Luke 15:11-32

Devotion #3

Understanding God’s Purpose ~ Luke 7:31-35

Devotion #4

Responding to God’s Overtures ~ Matthew 13:1-9

Devotion #5

Being Willing to Take Risks ~ Matthew 13: 44-45

Devotion #6

Feeling the Joy of God’s Presence ~ Luke 15:1-10

Devotion #7

Accepting God’s Resources ~ Luke 14:25-35

Devotion #8

Recognizing Your Time & Talents ~ Matthew 25:14-30
Devotion #9
Money as a Means of Serving God & Helping Others ~ Luke 12:13-21
Devotion #10

Growing as God Works in Your Life ~ Luke 5:34-38

Devotion #11

Expressing Love to Others in Gratitude ~ Luke 10:25-37

Devotion #12     

Coming to Terms with Life’s Realities ~ Luke 18:1-8

 
Stewardship Team Members
Sandy Cappuccino, Pastor Jerel Gade, Pastor Guy Grube, & Donna Pechacek
All are welcome to join us at our next meeting on Thursday, September 22 at 10:00 AM.